Paedophile Jailed for Attempting to Meet Boy for Sex

William Grassby, 47, has been sentenced to two years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court for attempting to engage in sexual communication with children and attempting to meet a boy under the age of 16.

Grassby was identified through two sting operations, one led by police and the other by members of the public. He had been messaging a decoy, who he believed to be 14, over a week before arranging to meet for sex at Meadowhall, Sheffield.

He also befriended an undercover police officer, posing as a 12-year-old boy, on social media and sent multiple sexual messages to him, arranging to meet and have sex. Following his arrest, Grassby's electronic devices were seized, revealing further evidence of sexual communication with suspected children.

Investigating officer Sarah Anderson stated: "Grassby is an incredibly depraved individual with abhorrent intentions towards children. He knew of both the children's ages, and we have screenshots of messages where he's arranging to meet with them out of the view of CCTV. This is incredibly concerning for parents and carers of young children, particularly those who are on social media."

Anderson urged parents to be vigilant and contact authorities if they have suspicions about who their child is speaking to online.

Grassby has also been issued a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the sex offenders' register for a decade.